e-Article
Rate of progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease: effect of butyrylcholinesterase K gene variation
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, NEUROSURGERY, & PSYCHIATRY. May 01, 2005 76(5):640-643
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0022-3050
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:: To determine whether individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the K variant allele of butyrylcholinesterase have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those without the K variant allele of butyrylcholinesterase. METHOD:: The cognitive status of 339 community based subjects with AD was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination at baseline and yearly over a three year follow up period. The rates of cognitive decline of subjects with and without the K variant allele were compared. RESULT:: Presence of the K allele was associated with a slower average rate of cognitive decline in subjects with severe AD. CONCLUSIONS:: This finding is consistent with the suggestion that the K variant of butyrylcholinesterase has an important role in disease progression in AD, and this may have implications for treatment.